After two frustrating months of “intense negotiations”, none of our major demands have been the object of an agreement in principle. It seems to us that CPC is just stalling… Here are a few of our demands that have been the focus of discussion for the past months.

We have been negotiating with Canada Post for over 9 months now. Every attempt, by us, to intensify these negotiations has been frustrated by Canada Post and therefore little or no progress has been made towards achieving our major demands. Here are a few of our demands that have been the focus of discussion for the past months.

At this point, many are wondering what is currently happening as CUPW’s 50,000 members prepare to vote nationally to give the National Executive Board a mandate to call for strike action, if necessary.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers will meet interim President and CEO of Canada Post, Jessica McDonald, and the heads of all unions at Canada Post, on July 23rd to discuss the ongoing problem of bullying, harassment and intimidation of workers.

A small, but dedicated group of members in Quebec, led by Richard Martin, President of the CUPW local in Vaudreuil-Dorion, and Audrey Pepin, Vice-President, Quebec, have come together to mobilise the membership in the province. The group, made up of some of the most active and organised people from across the province, wants to inspire members to take action in their own locals and communities, and remind them that local events can have just as much of an impact as a rally on Parliament Hill.

As directed by Arbitrator Flynn, the parties have been meeting to try to resolve several issues. PCI Delivery, Lock Changes and Householders - The parties are meeting on these issues in an effort to determine the implications of Arbitrator Flynn’s decision with respect to the wage gap, the pension and the time values associated with these work processes.

On Friday, July 6, the Union received the notices confirming the start of conciliation for the Urban and RSMC bargaining units. These notices also confirm the appointment of two conciliators, one of whom is the director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The two conciliators will work with both bargaining units.

Canada Post refuses real negotiations and ignores the concerns of workers, who provide quality public service. The Fredericton Oromocto Local has used today to illustrate the Solidarity in their Local. During conciliation Locals must use their collective strength to convince the government to negotiate today’s problems and our future. Thanks to the membership of the Fredericton Oromocto Local and Brother Nickerson , their Local President.

We’ve been dealing with the short-term disability program for years, and many members are familiar with this by now, but we remind you: now is the time to carry over your unused Personal Days if you haven’t already.

Canada Post created a workplace crisis which has been brewing for some time. Workers are overloaded and disrespected, and despite being treated as objects and machines, we have continued to provide a high-quality service for everyone across the country. But we all have limits. Our work ethic can no longer be a license to take advantage of us. Things must change. Things must improve. The time is now.

On May 31, 2018 we received the pay equity decision from Arbitrator Flynn. On the same day, Jessica McDonald, Chair of the Board of Directors and Interim President and CEO, issued a statement in which she promised that CPC was “committed to acting “swiftly and diligently” with CUPW to resolve the issues.

We’re trying to build momentum in CUPW negotiations with TForce Final Mile (fka Dynamex). Our original intent was to bring TForce to the bargaining table to negotiate with all the bargaining units as one, with a single set of demands on our side. This was to maximize our bargaining power and show the employer that the union’s issues in one location matter to members in all locations.

The longest day of the year falls on June 21, when the life-giving sun shines longest in the northern hemisphere. Historically, it is revered for the renewal of the cycles of life and the seasons. The Canadian Government has also recognized this day as National Indigenous Peoples Day “to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of Canada's Indigenous Peoples.”

On June 6, 2018, the bargaining committees of both parties met with CUPW National President Mike Palecek and CPC Chairperson and Interim President Jessica McDonald. The meeting had been requested by Canada Post to permit Ms. McDonald and National President Mike Palecek to articulate their perspectives on the current negotiations, the recent Pay Equity Award and the ongoing Pay Equity process.

In a previous round of bargaining, Canada Post Corporation’s Chief Negotiator for the RSMC unit called the RSMCs a ‘competitive advantage,’ referring to the cost savings Canada Post realized from the wage gap between RSMCs and Urban unit letter carriers. Now Canada Post must eat those words.

The events in Gaza in recent weeks have left no one indifferent. Even Prime Minister Trudeau felt compelled to ask for an independent investigation of the situation in Gaza. Canada is complicit in these crimes, supplying Israel with weaponry used to kill civilians and to maintain an illegal occupation of Palestine. Further, Canada just expanded a free trade deal with the Israeli regime. We must continue to generate and stimulate debate through concrete solidarity actions. We need to remain active.

More than ever, we have momentum on our campaigns, and a window of opportunity to translate this momentum in to bargaining support, which may become critical in weeks to come. Summer brings opportunities for Locals to get involved in events and spread our campaign messages: participating in community fairs, movie nights, parades and barbecues are just a few examples of positive and energetic places for actions – and to have a little fun with our neighbours while drumming up support.

We received the pay equity arbitration award from Arbitrator Flynn. The award is lengthy and complex and was written only in English. It is currently being translated by CUPW. At this time, we can confirm that the arbitrator has ruled that RSMCs perform work of equal value to that of letter carriers. She has also ruled that a wage gap exists between RSMCs and letter carriers.

Ontario provincial Election Day – June 7 – is approaching quickly. All union members should engage in this election and especially cast our ballots. The provincial government can profoundly affect the lives of workers.

Today the Union was notified by Arbitrator Flynn that her decision on the Pay Equity dispute will be released sometime on Thursday, May 31st. It is expected that the decision will be lengthy and complicated. The Union intends to analyze the conclusions of the decision and its impact on the membership as soon as possible and distribute the results through our various means of communication.